Summer is officially here! We’re all looking for quick, tasty treats that are filling and help us to cool off. Few things are easier on the taste buds that a scrumptious parfait made with good-tasting Fieldstone® Bakery premium original granola cereal paired with refreshing seasonal ingredients. Just thinking about it makes the mouth water. Try these recipes…

Red, White & Blue Granola Parfaits are great patriotic treat for Fourth of July with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and yogurt layered with whipped topping and crunchy granola. For the best taste, nothing beats fresh, local berries. The presentation of the layers in a tall glass adds to the fun. Get the recipe: https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/29225/red-white-blue-granola-parfait

A Grilled Peach Parfait will make breakfast feel like eating dessert – and it is actually pretty healthy! This recipe calls for using caramelized grilled peaches cooked on the BBQ the night before, allowing time for them to cool before chopping and refrigerating for the next day. Butter and sugar can be spread on before cooking to soften and sweeten the peaches. It takes more time to prepare than some parfaits, but patience pays off in a tasty change up from the usual berries. Get the recipe at http://kitchensanctuary.com/2015/06/grilled-peach-breakfast-parfait/.

Once prepared, these recipes should be served immediately or covered and refrigerated for a couple of hours. These summer parfaits all go great with Fieldstone® Bakery whole-wheat Granola products, available in single .6 ounce, single 1 ounce, single 2 ounce, and bulk 12 lb. 8 oz sizes. All of our granolas qualify for Cool School Café and Smart Snacks in Schools programs. They are made with whole grain oats, whole oat flour and molasses.

Don’t forget to serve the children these delectable treats with the proper tall glassware, including a long spoon to make each bite even tastier and fun.

We hope to see you at the School Nutrition Association’s annual ANC 2016 Conference July 8-13 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. We have prepared a list of nearby attractions to enjoy during your trip, plus links to money-saving coupons online. Be sure to say Hi to us at Booth #1518.

The Alamo – No trip to the city is complete without visiting this former Franciscan mission where, in December 1835, during Texas’ war for independence from Mexico, a group of Texan volunteer soldiers including Davy Crockett held off thousands of soldiers for 13 days. Inside the nearby Rivercenter Mall, The Battle for Texas: The Experience allows visitors to review the pivotal battle with a fully immersive and interactive adventure. Learn more at http://www.thealamo.org/

Downtown Cathedrals – If historic architecture is your thing, you may want to check out the Main Plaza, St Mary’s Catholic Church, St Joseph Catholic Church, and the San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral

Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas

The River Walk – This area, with every form of restaurant you can imagine, is within walking distance to the Civic Center, offering lovely gardens and water features. Cabs from the Civic Center to these nearby places are very inexpensive because they really are only going a few blocks. A 35-minute boat ride is recommended to learn some interested tidbits and cut down on your walking (seniors over the age of 60 and military personnel get a discount). Learn more: http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/

Briscoe Western Art Museum – Over five centuries, from the Spanish conquest to the present day, the collections of the Briscoe tell the story of the West in all its drama. Learn more: http://www.briscoemuseum.org/

Find a variety of famous faces and amazing exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, the Plaza Theatre of Wax, and the Guinness World Records Museum.

Spa:

If you’d rather spend your time in San Antonio relaxing than walking, you can get a treatment at one of the many spas like Alamo Plaza Spa, DASA Spa, or Mokara Spa.

You can fill any free time you might have visiting Lucas Oil Stadium, touring downtown by trolley, bike or Segway, checking out the Western art collection at the Eiteljorg Museum, or visiting the Indianapolis Zoo. To see the full list of attractions awaiting you, check out VisitIndy.com.

If your prefer serenity to sight-seeing, go for a relaxing massage at the No. 7 Salon and Spa. Visit their website.

Shopping:

The Circle Centre Mall is big but friendly, with multiple circular levels containing all types of stores, restaurants and a movie theater – all of it a short walk from the hotel. Visit the Circle Centre website to see what stores they have.

Dining:

Visiting a new city offers a great opportunity to sample local restaurants that you do not have in your own town. Some good ones close to the JW Marriott include:

St Elmo Steak House – This restaurant has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902 and known for its steaks, seafood and chops. Visit the St Elmo website.

Oceanaire Seafood Room – The menu is based on market availability, therefore the menu selections change each day, but you can get a sense of the venue and the food choices on their website.

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Located in the heart of downtown’s bustling Wholesale District at 41 E. Washington Street. Visit the Morton’s website.